Orthopedic implant assemblies and devices

ABSTRACT

Innovative orthopedic implant assemblies and devices are provided. One example assembly includes two implant devices. An example implant device includes two ends oppositely located with a bulbous portion located at one end and a screw portion located at the opposite end. An example second implant device includes two ends oppositely located with a looped portion defining an aperture located at one end and a nail portion located at the opposite end. The nail portion can include a tip and a smooth or substantially smooth portion. The second implant device can be implanted into a bone by striking the looped portion to facilitate the tip and at least part of the nail portion penetrating the bone.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of and claims priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/510,799 filed on Jul. 12, 2019,which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/663,173 filed on Jul. 28, 2017, the contents of each application isincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND Field of the Technology

The present technology relates generally to systems and apparatus forfusing bones and joints, and more particularly to, orthopedic implantassemblies and devices.

Description of the Related Art

Intraosseous fixation differs from traditional fixation devices in thathardware is not typically left exposed to soft tissue. As a newer formof fixation in, for example foot and ankle arthrodesis surgery, previousimplant assemblies and/or devices require precise instrumentation thatcan be difficult to use. If an implant assembly/device and itsassociated instrumentation are not properly aligned, it can be difficultto produce desirable results. For instance, intra-operative problems canoccur when bone fragments, soft tissue, and imposing tendons createimproper alignment both for an implant assembly/device itself and fromthe implant assembly/device to instrumentation, which can lead to a lackof compression, weak compression, and/or complete misalignment. Theseproblems can be exacerbated through patient non-compliance, movement,and/or osteoporotic bone quality, etc., each of can result in adisengagement of a proper fitment of the implant assembly/device.Further, soft tissue aggravation and/or non-unions often occur ascomponents in an implant assembly disengage and implant device(s)constructs become loose rather than tight. Accordingly, previous implantassemblies and implant devices are not as efficient and/or reliable asthey otherwise could be.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments provide innovative orthopedic implant assemblies anddevices. One implant assembly includes a first implant device and asecond implant device. The first implant device includes a first end anda second end oppositely located along a longitudinal first axis abulbous portion at the first end that extends along the first axis, anda screw portion at the second end that extends along the first axis. Thesecond implant device includes a third end and a fourth end oppositelylocated along a longitudinal second axis, a looped portion defining anaperture at the third end, and a nail portion at the fourth end. Thefirst implant device and the second implant device can providecompression to a set of bones when the bulbous portion and the loopedportion are engaged

An implant device includes a first end and a second end oppositelylocated along a longitudinal axis, a looped portion defining an apertureat the first end, and a nail portion at the second end. The apertureincludes an interior surface comprising a set of grooves and the implantdevice is configured to provide compression to a set of bones whenengaged with another implant device.

Another implant device includes a first end and a second end oppositelylocated along a longitudinal axis, a looped portion defining an apertureat the first end, and a nail portion at the second end. The apertureincludes a smooth interior surface and the implant device is configuredto provide compression to a set of bones when engaged with anotherimplant device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which likereference numerals are used to refer to similar elements.

FIGS. 1A through 1C are diagrams illustrating various embodiments of animplant device;

FIGS. 2A through 2G are diagrams illustrating various embodiments ofanother implant device that can be engaged with the implant devices ofFIGS. 1A through 1C to create the various implant assemblies of FIGS. 3Athrough 3H;

FIGS. 3A through 3H are diagrams illustrating various views of variousexamples of implant assemblies including an implant device of FIG. 1A,FIG. 1B, or FIG. 1C and an implant device of FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C,FIG. 2D, FIG. 2E, FIG. 2F, or FIG. 2G;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a methodfor implanting the implant device of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a methodfor implanting the implant devices of FIGS. 2B through 2G;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a methodfor compressing a set of bones utilizing the implant assembly of FIGS.3A and 3B;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of anothermethod for compressing a set of bones utilizing the implant assembly ofFIGS. 3C and 3D;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of yet anothermethod for compressing a set of bones utilizing the implant assembly ofFIGS. 3E and 3F; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of stillanother method for compressing a set of bones utilizing the implantassembly of FIGS. 3G and 3H.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The innovative technology disclosed herein includes various aspects,such as orthopedic implant devices and assemblies for fusing bones andjoints. The disclosed technology provides is advantageously moreefficient and/or more reliable than previous implant devices and/orassemblies. It should be understood that language used in the presentdisclosure has been principally selected for readability andinstructional purposes, and not to limit the scope of the subject matterdisclosed herein.

Various embodiments may provide a locking feature that can ensure properfitment to reduce implant impedance and/or poor surgical outcomesregardless of an implant environment. Some implant devices may utilize aMorse-taper fitment along with an interference thread on a crown thatcan aid instruments and interfacing screws in aligning and properlyimplanting of assemblies and devices. An interference thread can allowinstruments to lock in conjunction with the taper to further ensure thatan assembly/implant is properly aligned. Furthermore, the interferencethread may aid in locking the sere compression in place and reducing thechance of an implant device from backing out over time.

It should be understood that the language used in the present disclosurehas been principally selected for readability and instructionalpurposes, and not to limit the scope of the subject matter disclosedherein in any manner. Further, reference throughout this specificationto “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus,appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” andsimilar language throughout this specification may, but do notnecessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more butnot all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms“including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean“including, but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. Anenumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the itemsare mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “oneor more” unless expressly specified otherwise.

In addition, as used herein, the term “set” can mean “one or more,”unless expressly specified otherwise. The term “sets” can mean multiplesof or a plurality of “one or mores,” “ones or more,” and/or “ones ormores” consistent with set theory, unless expressly specified otherwise.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled inthe relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practicedwithout one or more of the specific features or advantages of aparticular embodiment. In other instances, additional features andadvantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not bepresent in all embodiments.

Further, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of theembodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in therelevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practicedwithout one or more of the specific features or advantages of aparticular embodiment. In other instances, additional features andadvantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not bepresent in all embodiments.

The schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams in theFigures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation ofpossible implementations. It should also be noted that, in somealternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occurout of the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown insuccession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or theblocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending uponthe functionality involved. Although various arrow types and line typesmay be employed in the flowchart and/or block diagrams, they areunderstood not to limit the scope of the corresponding embodiments.Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only anexemplary logical flow of the depicted embodiment.

The description of elements in each figure below may refer to elementsof proceeding figures. For instance, like numbers can refer to similarelements in all figures, including alternate embodiments of similarelements.

With reference now to the figures, FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating anexample implant device 100A in accordance with various embodiments.Implant device 100A may include a shaft portion 102 with a first end 104and a second end 106 that are opposite one another along a longitudinalaxis 108 and define a first terminal axis 110 and a second terminal axis112, respectively. As shown, the implant device 100A may comprise, amongother features, a bulbous portion 114 at the first end 104 and a screwportion 116 at the second end 106. Although the various embodiments maybe referred to herein as an implant device 100A, at least someembodiments of the implant device 100A may be considered and/or referredto as a lag screw.

The bulbous portion 114, in various embodiments, may originate at thefirst terminal axis 110 and extend along the longitudinal axis 108 andterminate at any position on the shaft portion 102. As such, the bulbousportion 114 may include any suitable height or length. The bulbousportion 114, in some embodiments, may include a height or length thatallows the bulbous portion 114 to engage a looped portion of anotherimplant device (e.g., looped portion 214 of implant device 200A, 200B,and 200C in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, respectively) to lock implant device100A to the other implant device, as discussed elsewhere herein (seee.g., FIGS. 3A and/or 3B).

In various embodiments, the looped portion 214 may include any suitableshape that is capable of being engaged with the looped portion ofanother implant device (e.g., the looped portion 214). In other words,the bulbous portion 114 can include any shape that complements and/orcorresponds to the looped portion of the other implant device.Non-limiting examples of a shape suitable for the bulbous portion 114may include, but are not limited to, a circle, an oval, and/or any othercircular shape, etc., among other example shapes.

Alternatively, or additionally, the shape of the bulbous portion 114may, in various embodiments, include a suitable amount of tapering. Insome embodiments, the tapering may originate at a crown 118 of thebulbous portion 114 that is located beginning at the first terminal axis110 and continually taper down along the longitudinal axis 108 to a foot120 of the bulbous portion 114. In further embodiments, the tapering mayoriginate at the crown 118 and terminate a position that is away fromthe foot 120 or the tapering may originate at a position that is awayfrom the crown 118 and continually taper down along the longitudinalaxis 108 to the foot 120 such that the bulbous portion 114 can include atapered portion and a non-tapered portion. In alternative embodiments,the tapering may originate at a position that is away from the crown 118and terminate at a position that is away from the foot 120 such that thebulbous portion 114 can include a tapered portion and multiplenon-tapered portions.

In various embodiments, a tapered portion of the bulbous portion 114 mayinclude any suitable type of tapering that is known or developed in thefuture and is capable of creating a force or compression, in any desiredamount, when engaged and/or connected with another implant device (e.g.,implant device 200A, 200B, and 200C in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C,respectively), as discussed elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, thetaper in the bulbous portion 114 may comprise a Morse-taper.

A bulbous portion 114 may include a thread 122 located on its externalsurface that rotates in a helix along a rotational axis 124 of thebulbous portion 114 and down the longitudinal axis 108. The thread 122,in various embodiments, may rotate in the range of about ten degrees(10°) to three hundred sixty degrees (360°), among other examples. Insome embodiments, the thread 122 may rotate 360° along the rotationalaxis 124. In further embodiments, the thread 122 may rotate less than360° along the rotational axis 124. In an example embodiment, the thread122 rotates ninety degrees (90°) along the rotational axis 124. Variousembodiments of the thread 122 can be considered a single thread sincethey rotate less than or equal to 360° along the rotational axis 124.

In various embodiments, the thread 122 may rotate at any suitable anglealong the rotational axis 124. In some embodiments, the thread 122 mayrotate at an angle to create a spaced apart or wide thread along thelongitudinal axis 108, while in other embodiments the thread 122 mayrotate at an angle to create a tight or narrow thread along thelongitudinal axis 108. In further embodiments, the thread 122 can rotateat the same angle and/or an angle that corresponds to an angle at whicha groove on an interior surface of a looped portion (e.g., groove 222 onlooped portion 214) rotates such that the thread 122 and the groove lockthe bulbous portion 114 and the looped portion together when engaged, asdiscussed elsewhere herein (e.g., FIGS. 3A and/or 3B).

The thread 122 may include any suitable height and/or shape that canallow the thread 122 to engage a groove or other thread. In variousembodiments, the thread 122 may include any suitable height and/or shapethat may be compatible with and/or may correspond to a depth and/orshape of a groove (e.g., groove 222) that can allow the bulbous portion114 to be locked with a looped portion (e.g., looped portion 214 inFIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C) such that implant device 100A can form a portionof an implant assembly (e.g., implant assembly 300A in FIGS. 3A and/or3B) along with at least one other implant device (e.g., implant device200A, 200B, and 200C in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, respectively), asdiscussed elsewhere herein (e.g., FIGS. 3A and/or 3B).

In further embodiments, the thread 122 may include a sufficient amountof height such that the thread 122 can be considered a wing. In someembodiments, the thread 122 may include a height in the range of about0.5 mm to about 2 mm, although other heights are possible andcontemplated herein.

Further, the thread 122 can originate and/or terminate at any suitablelocation on the bulbous portion 114. In various embodiments, the thread122 may originate at a position along the crown 118 of the bulbousportion 114, may terminate at a position along the foot 120 of thebulbous portion 114, may originate at a position along the crown 118 andterminate at a position along the foot 120, or may originate at aposition that is away from the crown 118 and terminate at a positionthat is away from the foot 120.

The bulbous portion 114, in some embodiments, may include one or moreadditional threads 122 such that the bulbous portion 114 can includemultiple single-threads. For instance, the threads 122 may be spacedapart such that no single thread 122 includes greater than 360° ofrotation along the rotational axis 124. In some aspects, two or moresingle-threads 122 may may rotate in parallel or not in parallel inrelation to one another. In further aspects, two or more single-threads122 may originate at the same location (e.g., crown 118) or differentlocations on the bulbous portion 114 and/or terminate at the samelocation (e.g., foot 120) or different locations on the bulbous portion114. For instance, two or more threads 122 may originate at the crown118 of the bulbous portion 114, one thread 122 may originate at thecrown 118 and a second thread 122 may terminate at the foot 120 of thebulbous portion, two or more threads 122 may terminate at the foot 120,two or more threads 122 may originate at the crown 118 and terminate atthe foot 120, or two or more threads 122 may both originate andterminate at different locations on the bulbous portion 114, etc., amongother location combinations that are possible and contemplated herein.

The crown 118 of the bulbous portion 114, in various embodiments, mayinclude a mechanism 126 that can be engaged by a tool that allows theimplant device 100A to be implanted into a bone or joint and/or engagedwith a looped portion of another implant device (e.g., looped portion214 of implant device 200A, 200B, and 200C in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C,respectively). In some embodiments, the mechanism 126 may includecharacteristics similar to an aperture in the head of a screw (e.g., aPhillips screw, flat-head screw, star screw, box screw, hex screw, etc.,among other examples) that can allow a screwdriver, Allen wrench, hexkey, rotational tool, or similar tool, etc. to engage the aperture 126.

The second end 106, in various embodiments, may include a screw portion116 on the shaft portion 102 that extends along the longitudinal axis108 and terminates at the second terminal axis 112. The screw portion116 may be any suitable length that allows the implant device 100A to beimplanted into a bone or joint. Further, the screw portion 116 may betapered in any suitable manner that is known or developed in the futurethat is capable of allowing the implant device 100A to be implanted intoa bone or joint. The screw portion 116 may further include a pluralityof threads 128 including any suitable height, any suitable width, and/orsuitable amount of space between each thread 128. For instance, theplurality of threads 128 may include any suitable number rotations orsuitable amount of rotation along the rotational axis 124 that isgreater than 360°.

The implant device 100A may comprise any material that is known ordeveloped in the future that is capable of being implanted into a boneor joint. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials include, but arenot limited to, a metal, an alloy, a composite material, and/or the likematerials, etc., among other example materials. Some suitable specificnon-limiting examples include titanium, stainless steel, nitinol, cobaltchromium, and/or aluminum, etc., among other suitable materials that arepossible and contemplated herein.

In various embodiments, the implant device 100A may include any suitableshape that is capable of being implanted into a bone or joint.Non-limiting examples of a shape suitable for the implant device mayinclude, but are not limited to, a circle, an oval, and/or any othercircular shape, etc., among other example shapes.

Further, the implant device 100A may include any suitable length and/orsuitable circumference that can allow the implant device 100A to beimplanted into a bone or joint. A non-limiting example range of lengthsincludes, but is not limited to, about 10 mm to about 150 mm. Further, anon-limiting example range of circumferences includes, but is notlimited to, about 2 mm to about 100 mm.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating anotherexample implant device 100B in accordance with various embodiments.Implant device 100B may include a shaft portion 102, a first end 104, asecond end 106, a horizontal axis 108, a first terminal axis 110, asecond terminal axis 112, a bulbous portion 114, a screw portion 116, acrown 118, a foot 120, a rotational axis 124, a mechanism 126, andthreads 128 similar to the implant device 100A discussed above. Implantdevice 100B may further include, among other components, a plurality ofthreads 130 on the external surface of bulbous portion 114. That is, onedifference between implant device 100A and implant device 100B is thatthe bulbous portion 114 in implant device 100A includes a single thread122, while the bulbous portion 114 in implant device 100B includesmultiple threads 130.

The threads 130 may be located on the external surface of bulbousportion 114 and rotate in a helix along the rotational axis 124 of thebulbous portion 114 and down the longitudinal axis 108. The threads 130,in various embodiments, may rotate at any suitable angle along therotational axis 124. In some embodiments, the threads 130 may rotate atan angle to create spaced apart or widely spaced threads 130 along thelongitudinal axis 108, while in other embodiments the threads 130 mayrotate at an angle to create tight or narrowly spaced threads along thelongitudinal axis 108. In further embodiments, the threads 130 canrotate at the same angle and/or an angle that corresponds to an angle atwhich a groove on an interior surface of a looped portion (e.g., groove222 or grooves 230 on looped portion 214) rotates such that the threads130 and the groove 222 or grooves 230 lock the bulbous portion 114 andthe looped portion 214 together when engaged, as discussed elsewhereherein.

The threads 130 may include any suitable height and/or shape that canallow the threads 130 to engage a groove 222 or grooves 230 or otherthread. In various embodiments, the threads 130 may include any suitableheight and/or shape that may be compatible with and/or may correspond toa depth and/or shape of a groove (e.g., groove 222), grooves (e.g.,grooves 230) and/or otherwise (e.g., a smooth area 232) that can allowthe bulbous portion 114 to be locked with a looped portion (e.g., loopedportion 214 in FIGS. 2B through 2G) such that implant device 100B canform a portion of an implant assembly (e.g., implant assembly 300Cthrough 300H in FIGS. 3C through 3H) along with at least one otherimplant device (e.g., implant device 200B through 200G in FIGS. 2Bthrough 2G, respectively), as discussed elsewhere herein (e.g., FIG. 3Cthrough 3H).

In further embodiments, the threads 130 may include any suitable height.In some embodiments, the threads 130 may include a height in the rangeof about 0.1 mm to about 2 mm, although other heights are possible andcontemplated herein.

Further, the threads 130 can originate and/or terminate at any suitablelocation on the bulbous portion 114. In various embodiments, the threads130 may originate at a position along the crown 118 of the bulbousportion 114, may terminate at a position along the foot 120 of thebulbous portion 114, may originate at a position along the crown 118 andterminate at a position along the foot 120, or may originate at aposition that is away from the crown 118 and terminate at a positionthat is away from the foot 120.

With reference to FIG. 1C, FIG. 1C is a diagram illustrating anotherexample implant device 100C in accordance with various embodiments.Implant device 100C may include a shaft portion 102, a first end 104, asecond end 106, a horizontal axis 108, a first terminal axis 110, asecond terminal axis 112, a bulbous portion 114, a screw portion 116, acrown 118, a foot 120, a rotational axis 124, a mechanism 126, andthreads 128 similar to the implant devices 100A and 100B discussedabove. Implant device 100C may further include, among other components,substantially smooth (e.g., textured, non-threaded, and/or thread-less,etc.) or smooth (e.g., non-threaded, thread-less, etc.) exterior surface132 (or substantially smooth or smooth area 132) on the bulbous portion114. That is, one difference between implant devices 100A/100B andimplant device 100C is that the bulbous portion 114 in implant device100C does not include a groove 122 or grooves 130. Instead, the bulbousportion 114 on implant device 100C includes a substantially smooth(e.g., a textured, non-threaded, etc.) or smooth external surface 132(e.g., a smooth or substantially smooth area).

Referring now to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an exampleimplant device 200A in accordance with various embodiments. Implantdevice 200A may include a shaft portion 202 with a first end 204 and asecond end 206 that are opposite one another along a longitudinal axis208 and define a first terminal axis 210 and a second terminal axis 212,respectively. As shown, the implant device 200A may comprise, amongother features, a looped portion 214 defining an aperture 215 at thefirst end 204 and a screw portion 216 at the second end 206. Althoughthe various embodiments may be referred to herein as an implant device200A, at least some embodiments of the implant device 200A may beconsidered and/or referred to as a post screw.

The looped portion 214, in various embodiments, may originate at thefirst terminal axis 210 and extend along the longitudinal axis 208 andterminate at any position on the shaft portion 202. As such, the loopedportion 214 may include any suitable height or circumference. The loopedportion 214, in some embodiments, may include a height or circumferencethat allows the looped portion 214 to engage a bulbous portion ofanother implant device (e.g., bulbous portion 114 of implant device100A) to lock implant device 200A to the other implant device, asdiscussed elsewhere herein (e.g., FIGS. 3A and/or 3B).

In various embodiments, the looped portion 214 may include any suitableshape that allows the bulbous portion of another implant device (e.g.,bulbous portion 114) to be inserted through the aperture 215. In otherwords, the looped portion 214 can include any shape such that theaperture 215 complements and/or corresponds to the bulbous portion ofthe other implant device. Non-limiting examples of a shape suitable forthe looped portion 214 may include, but are not limited to, a circle, anoval, and/or any other circular shape, etc., among other example shapes.

Alternatively, or additionally, the shape of the looped portion 214 may,in various embodiments, include a suitable amount of tapering on aninterior surface that defines the aperture 215. In some embodiments, thetapering may originate at an insertion side 218 of the looped portion214/aperture 215 that is located along a rotational axis 219. In furtherembodiments, the tapering may originate at the insertion side 218 andterminate at a position that is away from the exit side 220 or thetapering may originate at a position that is away from the insertionside 218 and continually taper down to the exit side 220 such that theinterior surface can include a tapered portion and a non-taperedportion. In alternative embodiments, the tapering may originate at aposition that is away from the insertions side 218 and terminate at aposition that is away from the exit side 220 such that the interiorsurface of the looped portion 214 can include a tapered portion andmultiple non-tapered portions.

In various embodiments, the interior surface of the looped portion 214may be compatible with and/or correspond to any suitable type oftapering that is known or developed in the future and is capable ofcreating a force or compression, in any desired amount, when engagedand/or connected with a bulbous portion of another implant device (e.g.,bulbous portion 114), as discussed elsewhere herein. In someembodiments, the interior surface of the looped portion 214 may becompatible with and/or correspond to a bulbous portion comprising aMorse-taper.

The aperture 215 may be created at an angle 203 with respect to thelongitudinal axis 208 of the implant device 200A. The angle 203, invarious embodiments, can be any suitable and/or desired angle in therange of about thirty degrees (30°) to about one hundred fifty degrees(150°), although other angles and/or ranges are possible andcontemplated herein. In some embodiments, the angle 203 may be in therange of about 62 degrees (62°) to about 68 degrees (68°), among otherexample angles and/or ranges. In one embodiment, the angle 203 may beabout sixty-five degrees (65°), among other possible angles that arecontemplated herein.

The looped portion 214 may include a groove 222, which can also beconsidered a thread, which is located on its interior surface that isproximate to the aperture 215 and rotates in a helix along therotational axis 219. The groove 222, in various embodiments, may rotatein the range of about ten 10° to 360°, among other examples. In someembodiments, the groove 222 may rotate 360° along the rotational axis219. In further embodiments, the groove 222 may rotate less than 360°along the rotational axis 219. In an example embodiment, the groove 222rotates 90° along the rotational axis 219. Various embodiments of thegroove 222 can be considered a single-groove since they rotate less thanor equal to 360° along the rotational axis 219.

In various embodiments, the groove 222 may rotate at any suitable anglealong the rotational axis 219. In some embodiments, the groove 222 mayrotate at an angle to create a spaced apart or wide groove, while inother embodiments the groove 222 may rotate at an angle to create atight or narrow groove. In further embodiments, the groove 222 canrotate at the same angle and/or an angle that corresponds to an angle atwhich a thread on a bulbous portion (e.g., thread 122 on bulbous portion114) rotates such that the groove 222 and the thread lock the bulbousportion and the looped portion 214 together when engaged, as discussedelsewhere herein (e.g., FIGS. 3A through 3D).

The groove 222 may include any suitable depth and/or shape that canallow the groove 222 to engage a thread. In various embodiments, thegroove 222 may include any suitable depth and/or shape that may becompatible with and/or may correspond to a height and/or shape of athread (e.g., thread 122) that can allow the looped portion 214 to belocked with a bulbous portion (e.g., bulbous portion 114) such thatimplant device 200A can form a portion of an implant assembly (e.g.,implant assembly 300A in FIGS. 3A and/or 3B) along with at least oneother implant device (e.g., implant device 100A), as discussed elsewhereherein (e.g., FIGS. 3A and/or 3B). In some embodiments, the groove 222may include a depth in the range of about 0.05 mm to about 6 mm,although other depths are possible and contemplated herein.

Further, the groove 222 can originate and/or terminate at any suitablelocation on the interior surface of the looped portion 214. In variousembodiments, the groove 222 may originate at a position along theinsertion side 218 of the looped portion 214, may terminate at aposition along the exit side 220 of the looped portion 214, mayoriginate at a position along the insertion side 218 and terminate at aposition along the exit side 220, or may originate at a position that isaway from the insertion side 218 and terminate at a position that isaway from the exit side 220.

In some embodiments, the looped portion 214 may include one or moregrooves 222 that can provide a self-correction mechanism when a singlethread (e.g., thread 122) engages the looped portion 214. For instance,the groove(s) 222 may be angled and/or positioned in a manner such thatthe insertion angle and/or trajectory of an implant device (e.g.,implant device 100A) into the aperture 215 can be automatically or aleast semi-automatically modified as a thread (e.g., thread 122) of theimplant device catches or engages a particular groove 222 to betterensure that the implant device is properly implanted and/or implanted ona proper angle/trajectory.

In some embodiments, the looped portion 214 may include one or moreadditional grooves 222 such that the looped portion 214 can providemultiple engagement points for a single thread (e.g., thread 122). Forinstance, the grooves 222 may be spaced apart such that a single threadhas multiple locations or opportunities to catch or engage a groove 222.In some aspects, two or more single-grooves 222 may rotate in parallelor not in parallel in relation to one another. In further aspects, twoor more single-grooves 222 may originate at different locations on thesame rotational plane, different locations on different rotationalplanes, or the same location on different rotational planes, etc., amongother examples that may provide multiple opportunities or chances for asingle thread (e.g., thread 122) to engage a groove 222 on the interiorsurface of the looped portion 214. The one or more additional grooves222 in conjunction with the single-groove 222 that may provide multipleengagement points for a single thread (e.g., thread 122), in someembodiments, can further provide a self-correction mechanism forinserting an implant device (e.g., implant device 100A), as discussedelsewhere herein.

The looped portion 214, in further embodiments, may include one or moreadditional grooves 222 such that the looped portion 214 can accommodatemultiple single-threads (e.g., single-threads 122). For instance, thegrooves 222 may be spaced apart such that no single-groove 222 includesgreater than 360° of rotation along the rotational axis 219. In someaspects, two or more single-grooves 222 may rotate in parallel or not inparallel in relation to one another. In further aspects, two or moresingle-grooves 222 may originate at the same location (e.g., a point ofthe looped portion 214 on/near the insertion side 218 or at anintermediary point between the insertion side and the exit side 220) ordifferent locations on the looped portion 214 and/or terminate at thesame location (e.g., a point of the looped portion 214 on/near the exitside 220 or at an intermediary point between the insertion side and theexit side 220) or different locations on the looped portion 214. Forinstance, two or more grooves 222 may originate at the insertion side218 of the looped portion 214, one groove 222 may originate at theinsertion side 218 and a second groove 222 may terminate at the exitside 220 of the looped portion 214, two or more grooves 222 mayterminate at the exit side 220, two or more grooves 222 may originate atthe insertion side 218 and terminate at the exit side 220, or two ormore grooves 222 may both originate and terminate at different locationson the looped portion 214, etc., among other location combinations thatare possible and contemplated herein. The one or more additional grooves222 in conjunction with the single-groove 222 that can accommodatemultiple single-threads (e.g., single-threads 122), in some embodiments,can further provide a self-correction mechanism for inserting an implantdevice (e.g., implant device 100A), as discussed elsewhere herein.

The second end 206, in various embodiments, may include a screw portion216 on the shaft portion 102 that rotates around a rotational axis 224and extends along the longitudinal axis 208 and terminates at the secondterminal axis 212. The screw portion 216 may be any suitable length thatallows the implant device 200A to be implanted into a bone or joint.Further, the screw portion 216 may be tapered in any suitable mannerthat is known or developed in the future that is capable of allowing theimplant device 200A to be implanted into a bone or joint. The screwportion 216 may further include a plurality of threads including anysuitable height, any suitable width, and/or suitable amount of spacebetween each thread. For instance, the plurality of threads may includeany suitable number rotations or suitable amount of rotation along therotational axis 224 that is greater than 360°.

The implant device 200A may comprise any material that is known ordeveloped in the future that is capable of being implanted into a boneor joint. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials include, but arenot limited to, a metal (e.g., aluminum), an alloy, a compositematerial, and/or the like materials, etc., among other examplematerials. Some suitable specific non-limiting examples includetitanium, stainless steel, nitinol, cobalt chromium, and/or aluminum,etc., among other suitable materials that are possible and contemplatedherein.

In various embodiments, the implant device 200A may include any suitableshape that is capable of being implanted into a bone or joint.Non-limiting examples of a shape suitable for the implant device mayinclude, but are not limited to, a circle, an oval, and/or any othercircular shape, etc., among other example shapes.

Further, the implant device 200A may include any suitable length and/orsuitable circumference that can allow the implant device 200A to beimplanted into a bone or joint. A non-limiting example range of lengthsincludes, but is not limited to, about 5 mm to about 150 mm. Further, anon-limiting example range of circumferences includes, but is notlimited to, about 4 mm to about 50 mm.

With reference to FIG. 2B, FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an exampleimplant device 200B in accordance with various embodiments. Implantdevice 200B may include a shaft portion 202 with a first end 204including a looped portion 214 defining an aperture 215 and furtherincluding a second end 206 similar to the implant device 200A, asdiscussed elsewhere herein. As shown, the implant device 200B mayfurther comprise, among other features, a smooth, substantially smooth,or nail portion 226 at the second end 206. The nail portion 226 issmooth or substantially smooth in that the nail portion 226 does includethe threaded portion 216 of the implant device 200A. The nail portion226 may include any suitable tip and/or construction (e.g., sharp,pointed, rounded, etc.) that allows the implant device 200B to betapped, struck, driven, hammered, nailed, pounded, and/or otherwisesimilarly inserted into and/or attached to a bone. Although the variousembodiments may be referred to herein as an implant device 200B, atleast some embodiments of the implant device 200B may be consideredand/or referred to as a post screw.

The looped portion 214 with the single groove 222, in some embodiments,is configured to house and/or accommodate an implant device 100 thatincludes a bulbous portion 114 that includes a single groove 122. Inadditional or alternative embodiments, the looped portion 214 with thesingle groove 222 is configured to house and/or accommodate an implantdevice 100 that includes a bulbous portion 114 that includes a pluralityof grooves 130, a substantially smooth exterior surface 132, and/or asmooth exterior surface 132.

Referring to FIG. 2C, FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating an exampleimplant device 200C in accordance with various embodiments. Implantdevice 200C may include a shaft portion 202 with a first end 204including a looped portion 214 defining an aperture 215 and a second end206 with a nail portion 226 similar to the implant device 200B, asdiscussed elsewhere herein. As shown, the implant device 200C mayfurther comprise, among other features, an aperture 228 in the nailportion 226 at the second end 206.

The aperture 228 may include any suitable shape that can allow and/orenable the implant device 200C to be better secured into a bone.Similarly, the aperture 228 may include any suitable dimensions (e.g.,length, width, volume, height, circumference, etc.) that can allowand/or enable the implant device 200C to be better secured into a bone.Although the various embodiments may be referred to herein as an implantdevice 200C, at least some embodiments of the implant device 200C may beconsidered and/or referred to as a post screw.

The looped portion 214 with the single groove 222, in some embodiments,is configured to house and/or accommodate an implant device 100 thatincludes a bulbous portion 114 that includes a single groove 122. Inadditional or alternative embodiments, the looped portion 214 with thesingle groove 222 is configured to house and/or accommodate an implantdevice 100 that includes a bulbous portion 114 that includes a pluralityof grooves 130, a substantially smooth exterior surface 132, and/or asmooth exterior surface 132.

With reference to FIG. 2D, FIG. 2D is a diagram illustrating an exampleimplant device 200D in accordance with various embodiments. Implantdevice 200D may include a shaft portion 202 with a first end 204including a looped portion 214 defining an aperture 215 and furtherincluding a second end 206 similar to the implant device 200A andfurther comprises a smooth, substantially smooth, or nail portion 226 atthe second end 206 similar to the implant device 200B, as discussedelsewhere herein.

In various embodiments, implant device 200D further comprises, amongother components, a plurality of grooves 230 located on an interiorsurface of the looped portion 214. That is, while various embodiments ofan implant device include a single groove 222 located on an interiorsurface of the looped portion 214, implant device 200D includes two ormore grooves 230 located on an interior surface of the looped portion214 that are similar to the single groove 222.

The quantity of grooves 230 located on an interior surface of the loopedportion 214 may include any suitable quantity of grooves 230. In someembodiments, the quantity of grooves 230 corresponds to the quantity ofthreads 130 included on the bulbous portion 114 of an implant device100B.

The looped portion 214 with the plurality of grooves 220, in someembodiments, is configured to house and/or accommodate an implant device100 that includes a bulbous portion 114 that includes a single groove122. In additional or alternative embodiments, the looped portion 214with the plurality of grooves 230 is configured to house and/oraccommodate an implant device 100 that includes a bulbous portion 114that includes a plurality of grooves 130, a substantially smoothexterior surface 132, and/or a smooth exterior surface 132.

Referring to FIG. 2E, FIG. 2E is a diagram illustrating an exampleimplant device 200C in accordance with various embodiments. Implantdevice 200E may include a shaft portion 202 with a first end 204including a looped portion 214 defining an aperture 215 and a second end206 with a nail portion 226 similar to the implant device 200B and anaperture 228 in the nail portion 226 at the second end 206 similar tothe implant device 200C, as discussed elsewhere herein. In variousembodiments, implant device 200E further includes, among othercomponents, a plurality of grooves 230 located on an interior surface ofthe looped portion 214 similar to implant device 200D, as discussedelsewhere herein.

The looped portion 214 with the plurality of grooves 230, in someembodiments, is configured to house and/or accommodate an implant device100 that includes a bulbous portion 114 that includes a single groove122. In additional or alternative embodiments, the looped portion 214with the plurality of grooves 230 is configured to house and/oraccommodate an implant device 100 that includes a bulbous portion 114that includes a plurality of grooves 130, a substantially smoothexterior surface 132, and/or a smooth exterior surface 132.

With reference to FIG. 2F, FIG. 2F is a diagram illustrating an exampleimplant device 200F in accordance with various embodiments. Implantdevice 200F may include a shaft portion 202 with a first end 204including a looped portion 214 defining an aperture 215 and furtherincluding a second end 206 similar to the implant device 200A andfurther comprises a smooth, substantially smooth, or nail portion 226 atthe second end 206 similar to the implant device 200B, as discussedelsewhere herein. In various embodiments, implant device 200F furthercomprises, among other components, a substantially smooth (e.g.,textured, non-grooved, and/or groove-less, etc.) or smooth (e.g.,non-grooved, groove-less, etc.) interior surface 232 (or substantiallysmooth or smooth area 232) of the looped portion 214 that definesaperture 215.

The looped portion 214 with the smooth interior surface 232, in someembodiments, is configured to house and/or accommodate an implant device100 that includes a bulbous portion 114 that includes a single groove122. In additional or alternative embodiments, the looped portion 214with the smooth interior surface 232 is configured to house and/oraccommodate an implant device 100 that includes a bulbous portion 114that includes a plurality of grooves 130, a substantially smoothexterior surface 132, and/or a smooth exterior surface 132.

Referring to FIG. 2G, FIG. 2G is a diagram illustrating an exampleimplant device 200C in accordance with various embodiments. Implantdevice 200G may include a shaft portion 202 with a first end 204including a looped portion 214 defining an aperture 215 and a second end206 with a nail portion 226 similar to the implant device 200B and anaperture 228 in the nail portion 226 at the second end 206 similar tothe implant device 200C, as discussed elsewhere herein. In variousembodiments, implant device 200G further includes, among othercomponents, a looped portion 214 with a smooth interior surface 232similar to implant device 200F, as discussed elsewhere herein.

The looped portion 214 with the smooth interior surface 232, in someembodiments, is configured to house and/or accommodate an implant device100 that includes a bulbous portion 114 that includes a single groove122. In additional or alternative embodiments, the looped portion 214with the smooth interior surface 232 is configured to house and/oraccommodate an implant device 100 that includes a bulbous portion 114that includes a plurality of grooves 130, a substantially smoothexterior surface 132, and/or a smooth exterior surface 132.

With reference now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate ananteroposterior view and a lateral view, respectively, of an exampleimplant assembly 300A in accordance with various embodiments. As shown,implant assembly 300A can comprise implant device 100A and implantdevice 200A.

In some embodiments, implant device 100A and implant device 200A maycomprise the same material. In further embodiments, implant device 100Aand implant device 200A can comprise different materials.

In accordance with various embodiments of implant assembly 300A, theimplant device 200A may be initially implanted into a bone or a jointduring use. For instance, the screw portion 216 of the implant device200A may be implanted or screwed into a bone or joint using an implanttool.

Further, the implant device 100A may subsequently be inserted throughaperture 215, the screw portion 116 first, until the bulbous portion 214is seated inside the aperture 215. Once seated within the aperture 215,the implant device 100A may be rotated by inserting an appropriate tool,as discussed elsewhere herein, inside the mechanism 126 and rotating ortwisting the tool so that the thread 122 or threads 122 engage andcouple to the groove 222 and/or grooves 222.

The implant device 100A may be rotated until the bulbous portion 114 issufficiently coupled to the looped portion 214 of the implant device 214and/or a last thread 128 in the plurality threads 128 of the screwportion 116 that is capable of engaging a bone/joint is engaged (e.g.,is screwed into the bone/joint), the screw(s) 122 of the implant device100A may be engaged with the grove(s) 222 of the implant device 200A tolock or couple implant devices 100A and 200A together. A last thread inthe plurality threads 128 of the screw portion 116 that is capable ofengaging a bone/joint may be the thread that is farthest from the secondend 206 and/or the second terminal axis 212 of implant device 200A ormay be any other thread in the plurality threads 128.

In various embodiments, implant devices 100A and 200A may be implantedor screwed into the same bone or joint, different bones or joints, or ina bone and a joint, as needed or desired. In some embodiments, aself-correcting mechanism in the looped portion 214, as discussedelsewhere herein, may assist in ensuring that the implant device 100A isinserted through aperture 215 and implanted or screwed into the bone orjoint at the proper angle and/or trajectory.

An angle 302 may be created between the horizontal axis 108 of theimplant device 100A and the horizontal axis 208 of the implant device200A when the single-thread(s) 122 and the single-groove(s) 222 areengaged with one another. The angle 302, in various embodiments, can beany suitable and/or desired angle in the range of about 30° to about150°, although other angles and/or ranges are possible and contemplatedherein. In some embodiments, the angle 302 may be in the range of about62° to about 68°, among other example angles and/or ranges. In oneembodiment, the angle 302 may be about 65°, among other possible anglesthat are contemplated herein.

While the use of a standard thread-groove screw engagement has beendescribed in various embodiments herein, a reverse thread-groove screwengagement may be possible and is contemplated herein for variousembodiments. For instance, the single-thread(s) 122 in the implantdevice 100A and the single-groove(s) 222 in the implant device 200A, insome embodiments, may be reverse threaded and correspond to one another.In further embodiments, the plurality of threads 128 in the implantdevice 100A and/or the plurality of threads in the implant device 200Amay be reverse threaded.

A single-thread/single-groove screw engagement utilizing, for example, asingle thread 122 and a single-groove 222 can allow the implant devices100A and 200A to be more easily engaged, locked, and/or coupled to oneanother, can allow the implant devices 100A and 200A to be moreaccurately engaged, locked, and/or coupled to one another, can be moreefficient, can require less work, and/or can provide a stronger, morestable, and/or more secure locking connection than other technologiesand/or techniques. Further, a single-thread/multi-groove engagementusing, for example, a single thread 122 and multiple single-grooves 222can provide similar benefits as a single-thread/single-groove engagementand may provide one or more added features and/or one or more furtherimprovements. In addition, multi-single-thread/multi-single-grooveengagements using, for example, multiple single-threads 122 and multiplesingle-grooves 222 can provide similar benefits as asingle-thread/single-groove engagement and/or asingle-thread/multi-groove engagement and may provide one or more addedfeatures and/or one or more further improvements.

Referring to FIGS. 3C and 3D, FIGS. 3C and 3D illustrate ananteroposterior view and a lateral view, respectively, of an exampleimplant assembly 300B in accordance with various embodiments. As shown,implant assembly 300B can comprise implant device 100A and implantdevice 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G.

In the various embodiments, the implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E,200F, or 200G is implanted or inserted (via the nail portion 226) into abone by striking (e.g., tapping, driving, hammering, nailing, pounding,and/or otherwise similarly inserted) the looped portion 214 to drive thetip and at least a portion of the nail portion 226 into the bone.Implant device 100A is placed and/or inserted through aperture 215defined by looped portion 214 of the implant device 200B, 200C, 200D,200E, 200F, or 200G and then implanted/inserted into the same boneand/or a different bone as the implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E,200F, or 200G. The implant device 100A is implanted or screwed (via oneor more threads 128 in the screw portion 116) into the bone while aportion of implant device 100A is inserted through aperture 215 byapplying a rotational force to the mechanism 126.

The implant device 100A and the implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E,200F, or 200G may be engaged with one another by engaging the singlethread 122 on the exterior surface of the bulbous portion 114 of implantdevice 100A with a single groove 222 on the interior surface of thelooped portion 214 (e.g., implant devices 200B and 200C), a plurality ofgrooves 230 on the interior surface of the looped portion 214 (e.g.,implant devices 200D and 200E), or a substantially smooth or smoothinterior surface 232 of the looped portion 214 (e.g., implant devices200F and 200G). That is, the rotational force can be applied to themechanism 126 until the bulbous portion 114 and the looped portion 214are secured (e.g., tightly secured) and/or abut one another via thesingle thread 122 and the single groove 222, the plurality of grooves230, or the substantially smooth or smooth interior surface 232.Further, the implant assembly 300B may be utilized similar to theimplant assembly 300A, as discussed elsewhere herein.

With reference to FIGS. 3E and 3F, FIGS. 3E and 3F illustrate ananteroposterior view and a lateral view, respectively, of an exampleimplant assembly 300C in accordance with various embodiments. As shown,implant assembly 300C can comprise implant device 100B and implantdevice 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G.

In the various embodiments, the implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E,200F, or 200G is implanted or inserted (via the nail portion 226) into abone by striking (e.g., tapping, driving, hammering, nailing, pounding,and/or otherwise similarly inserted) the looped portion 214 to drive thetip and at least a portion of the nail portion 226 into the bone.Implant device 100B is placed and/or inserted through aperture 215defined by looped portion 214 of the implant device 200B, 200C, 200D,200E, 200F, or 200G and then implanted/inserted into the same boneand/or a different bone as the implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E,200F, or 200G. The implant device 100B is implanted or screwed (via oneor more threads 128 in the screw portion 116) into the bone while aportion of implant device 100B is inserted through aperture 215 byapplying a rotational force to the mechanism 126.

The implant device 100B and the implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E,200F, or 200G may be engaged with one another by engaging the pluralityof thread 130 on the exterior surface of the bulbous portion 114 ofimplant device 100B with a single groove 222 on the interior surface ofthe looped portion 214 (e.g., implant devices 200B and 200C), aplurality of grooves 230 on the interior surface of the looped portion214 (e.g., implant devices 200D and 200E), or a substantially smooth orsmooth interior surface 232 of the looped portion 214 (e.g., implantdevices 200F and 200G). That is, the rotational force can be applied tothe mechanism 126 until the bulbous portion 114 and the looped portion214 are secured (e.g., tightly secured) and/or abut one another via theplurality of threads 130 and the single groove 222, the plurality ofgrooves 230, or the substantially smooth or smooth interior surface 232.Further, the implant assembly 300C may be utilized similar to theimplant assembly 300A, as discussed elsewhere herein.

Referring to FIGS. 3G and 3H, FIGS. 3G and 3H illustrate ananteroposterior view and a lateral view, respectively, of an exampleimplant assembly 300D in accordance with various embodiments. As shown,implant assembly 300D can comprise implant device 100C and implantdevice 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G.

In the various embodiments, the implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E,200F, or 200G is implanted or inserted (via the nail portion 226) into abone by striking (e.g., tapping, driving, hammering, nailing, pounding,and/or otherwise similarly inserted) the looped portion 214 to drive thetip and at least a portion of the nail portion 226 into the bone.Implant device 100C is placed and/or inserted through aperture 215defined by looped portion 214 of the implant device 200B, 200C, 200D,200E, 200F, or 200G and then implanted/inserted into the same boneand/or a different bone as the implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E,200F, or 200G. The implant device 100C is implanted or screwed (via oneor more threads 128 in the screw portion 116) into the bone while aportion of implant device 100C is inserted through aperture 215 byapplying a rotational force to the mechanism 126.

The implant device 100C and the implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E,200F, or 200G may be engaged with one another by engaging thesubstantially smooth or smooth exterior surface of the bulbous portion114 of implant device 100C with a single groove 222 on the interiorsurface of the looped portion 214 (e.g., implant devices 200B and 200C),a plurality of grooves 230 on the interior surface of the looped portion214 (e.g., implant devices 200D and 200E), or a substantially smooth orsmooth interior surface 232 of the looped portion 214 (e.g., implantdevices 200F and 200G). That is, the rotational force can be applied tothe mechanism 126 until the bulbous portion 114 and the looped portion214 are secured (e.g., tightly secured) and/or abut one another via thesmooth/substantially smooth bulbous portion 114 and the single groove222, the plurality of grooves 230, or the substantially smooth or smoothinterior surface 232. Further, the implant assembly 300D may be utilizedsimilar to the implant assembly 300A, as discussed elsewhere herein.

With reference to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating oneembodiment of a method 400 for implanting implant device 200A. At leastin the illustrated embodiment, method 400 begins by providing an implantdevice 200A that includes a looped portion 214 and a screw portion 216(block 402).

The method 400 further includes implanting the implant device 200A intoa portion of bone via the screw portion 216 (block 404). The implantdevice 200A may be implanted by applying a rotational force to thelooped portion 214 of the implant device 200A until the screw portion216 is securely engaged, embedded, and/or implanted into the bone, asdiscussed elsewhere herein.

Referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating oneembodiment of a method 500 for implanting an implant device 200B, 200C,200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G. At least in the illustrated embodiment,method 500 begins by providing an implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E,200F, or 200G that includes a looped portion 214 and a nail portion 226(block 502).

The method 500 further includes implanting the implant device 200B,200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G into a portion of bone via the nailportion 226 (block 504). The implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E,200F, or 200G may be implanted by striking the looped portion 214 of theimplant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G until a tip and atleast a portion of the nail portion 226 is securely engaged, embedded,and/or implanted into the bone, as discussed elsewhere herein.

With reference to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating oneembodiment of a method 600 for compressing a set of bones utilizing animplant assembly 300A. At least in the illustrated embodiment, method600 begins by providing an implant device 200A that includes a loopedportion 214 and a screw portion 216 (block 602).

The implant device 200A is then implanted into a first portion of bonevia the screw portion 216 (block 604). The implant device 200A may beimplanted by applying a rotational force to the looped portion 214 ofthe implant device 200A until the screw portion 216 is securely engaged,embedded, and/or implanted into the bone, as discussed elsewhere herein.

Method 600 further includes providing an implant device 100A thatincludes a bulbous portion 114 and a screw portion 116 (block 606). Theimplant device 100A is inserted through the looped portion of theimplant device 200A (block 608) and implanted into a second portion ofbone (block 610), which can be the same bone or different bone asimplant device 200A.

The implant devices 100A and 200A are locked and/or engaged with oneanother via the single thread 122 on the exterior surface of the bulbousportion 114 and the single groove 222 on the interior surface of thelooped portion 214 (block 612). In various embodiments, implant devices100A and 200A are locked and/or engaged with one another by applying arotational force to the mechanism 126 on the implant device 100A untilthe screw portion 116 is securely engaged, embedded, and/or implantedinto the bone and the single thread 122 and the single groove 222 aresecured to one another, as discussed elsewhere herein. When engaged, theimplant devices 100A and 200A can provide a force and/or compression tothe set of bones (e.g., one or more bones) into which the implantdevices 100A and 200A are implanted to assist in healing and/orrepairing the bone(s).

In some embodiments, locking the implant devices 100A and 200A includesfacilitating locking the implant devices 100A and 200A. Here,facilitating locking the implant devices 100A and 200A can includeproviding tools, instructions, and/or other means for locking theimplant devices 100A and 200A. In other embodiments, locking the implantdevices 100A and 200A includes both facilitating locking the implantdevices 100A and 200A and actually locking the implant devices 100A and200A, as discussed above.

Referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating oneembodiment of a method 700 for compressing a set of bones utilizing animplant assembly 300B. At least in the illustrated embodiment, method700 begins by providing an implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F,or 200G that includes a looped portion 214 and a nail portion 226 (block702).

The implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G is thenimplanted into a first portion of bone via the nail portion 226 (block704). The implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G may beimplanted by striking the looped portion 214 of the implant device 200B,200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G until a tip and at least a portion ofthe nail portion 226 is securely engaged, embedded, and/or implantedinto the first portion of bone, as discussed elsewhere herein.

Method 700 further includes providing an implant device 100A thatincludes a bulbous portion 114 and a screw portion 116 (block 706). Theimplant device 100A is inserted through the looped portion of theimplant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G (block 708) andimplanted into a second portion of bone (block 710), which can be thesame bone or different bone as implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E,200F, or 200G.

The implant device 100A and implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F,or 200G are locked and/or engaged with one another via the single thread122 on the exterior surface of the bulbous portion 114 and a singlegroove 222 on the interior surface of the looped portion 214 (e.g.,implant devices 200B and 200C), a plurality of grooves 230 on theinterior surface of the looped portion 214 (e.g., implant devices 200Dand 200E), or a substantially smooth or smooth interior surface 232 ofthe looped portion 214 (e.g., implant devices 200F and 200G) (block712). That is, the rotational force can be applied to the mechanism 126until the bulbous portion 114 and the looped portion 214 are secured(e.g., tightly secured) and/or abut one another via the single groove122 and the single groove 222, the plurality of grooves 230, or thesubstantially smooth or smooth interior surface 232.

In various embodiments, implant device 100A and implant device 200B,200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G are locked and/or engaged with oneanother by applying a rotational force to the mechanism 126 on theimplant device 100A until the screw portion 116 is securely engaged,embedded, and/or implanted into the bone and the single thread 122 andthe single groove 222, the plurality of grooves 230 or thesmooth/substantially smooth interior surface 232 of the looped portion214 are secured to one another, as discussed elsewhere herein. Whenengaged, the implant device 100A and implant device 200B, 200C, 200D,200E, 200F, or 200G can provide a force and/or compression to the set ofbones (e.g., one or more bones) into which the implant device 100A andimplant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G are implanted toassist in healing and/or repairing the bone(s).

In some embodiments, locking the implant device 100A and implant device200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G includes facilitating locking theimplant device 100A and implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or200G. Here, facilitating locking the implant device 100A and implantdevice 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G can include providingtools, instructions, and/or other means for locking the implant device100A and implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G. In otherembodiments, locking the implant device 100A and implant device 200B,200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G includes both facilitating locking theimplant device 100A and implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or200G and actually locking the implant device 100A and implant device200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G, as discussed above.

Referring to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating oneembodiment of a method 800 for compressing a set of bones utilizing animplant assembly 300C. At least in the illustrated embodiment, method800 begins by providing an implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F,or 200G that includes a looped portion 214 and a nail portion 226 (block802).

The implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G is thenimplanted into a first portion of bone via the nail portion 226 (block804). The implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G may beimplanted by striking the looped portion 214 of the implant device 200B,200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G until a tip and at least a portion ofthe nail portion 226 is securely engaged, embedded, and/or implantedinto the first portion of bone, as discussed elsewhere herein.

Method 800 further includes providing an implant device 100B thatincludes a bulbous portion 114 and a screw portion 116 (block 806). Theimplant device 100B is inserted through the looped portion of theimplant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G (block 808) andimplanted into a second portion of bone (block 810), which can be thesame bone or different bone as implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E,200F, or 200G.

The implant device 100B and implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F,or 200G are locked and/or engaged with one another via the plurality ofthreads 130 on the exterior surface of the bulbous portion 114 and asingle groove 222 on the interior surface of the looped portion 214(e.g., implant devices 200B and 200C), a plurality of grooves 230 on theinterior surface of the looped portion 214 (e.g., implant devices 200Dand 200E), or a substantially smooth or smooth interior surface 232 ofthe looped portion 214 (e.g., implant devices 200F and 200G) (block812). That is, the rotational force can be applied to the mechanism 126until the bulbous portion 114 and the looped portion 214 are secured(e.g., tightly secured) and/or abut one another via the plurality ofgrooves 130 and the single groove 222, the plurality of grooves 230, orthe substantially smooth or smooth interior surface 232.

In various embodiments, implant device 100B and implant device 200B,200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G are locked and/or engaged with oneanother by applying a rotational force to the mechanism 126 on theimplant device 100B until the screw portion 116 is securely engaged,embedded, and/or implanted into the bone and the plurality of threads130 and the single groove 222, the plurality of grooves 230 or thesmooth/substantially smooth interior surface 232 of the looped portion214 are secured to one another, as discussed elsewhere herein. Whenengaged, the implant device 100B and implant device 200B, 200C, 200D,200E, 200F, or 200G can provide a force and/or compression to the set ofbones (e.g., one or more bones) into which the implant device 100B andimplant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G are implanted toassist in healing and/or repairing the bone(s).

In some embodiments, locking the implant device 100B and implant device200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G includes facilitating locking theimplant device 100B and implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or200G. Here, facilitating locking the implant device 100B and implantdevice 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G can include providingtools, instructions, and/or other means for locking the implant device100B and implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G. In otherembodiments, locking the implant device 100B and implant device 200B,200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G includes both facilitating locking theimplant device 100B and implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or200G and actually locking the implant device 100B and implant device200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G, as discussed above.

With reference to FIG. 9, FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating oneembodiment of a method 900 for compressing a set of bones utilizing animplant assembly 300D. At least in the illustrated embodiment, method900 begins by providing an implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F,or 200G that includes a looped portion 214 and a nail portion 226 (block902).

The implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G is thenimplanted into a first portion of bone via the nail portion 226 (block904). The implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G may beimplanted by striking the looped portion 214 of the implant device 200B,200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G until a tip and at least a portion ofthe nail portion 226 is securely engaged, embedded, and/or implantedinto the first portion of bone, as discussed elsewhere herein.

Method 900 further includes providing an implant device 100C thatincludes a bulbous portion 114 and a screw portion 116 (block 906). Theimplant device 100C is inserted through the looped portion of theimplant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G (block 908) andimplanted into a second portion of bone (block 910), which can be thesame bone or different bone as implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E,200F, or 200G.

The implant device 100C and implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F,or 200G are locked and/or engaged with one another via thesmooth/substantially smooth exterior surface 132 of the bulbous portion114 and a single groove 222 on the interior surface of the loopedportion 214 (e.g., implant devices 200B and 200C), a plurality ofgrooves 230 on the interior surface of the looped portion 214 (e.g.,implant devices 200D and 200E), or a substantially smooth or smoothinterior surface 232 of the looped portion 214 (e.g., implant devices200F and 200G) (block 912). That is, the rotational force can be appliedto the mechanism 126 until the bulbous portion 114 and the loopedportion 214 are secured (e.g., tightly secured) and/or abut one anothervia the smooth/substantially smooth interior surface 232 and the singlegroove 222, the plurality of grooves 230, or the substantially smooth orsmooth interior surface 232.

In various embodiments, implant device 100C and implant device 200B,200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G are locked and/or engaged with oneanother by applying a rotational force to the mechanism 126 on theimplant device 100C until the screw portion 116 is securely engaged,embedded, and/or implanted into the bone and the smooth/substantiallysmooth exterior surface 132 of the bulbous portion 114 and the singlegroove 222, the plurality of grooves 230 or the smooth/substantiallysmooth interior surface 232 of the looped portion 214 are secured to oneanother, as discussed elsewhere herein. When engaged, the implant device100C and implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G canprovide a force and/or compression to the set of bones (e.g., one ormore bones) into which the implant device 100B and implant device 200B,200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G are implanted to assist in healingand/or repairing the bone(s).

In some embodiments, locking the implant device 100C and implant device200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G includes facilitating locking theimplant device 100C and implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or200G. Here, facilitating locking the implant device 100C and implantdevice 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G can include providingtools, instructions, and/or other means for locking the implant device100C and implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G. In otherembodiments, locking the implant device 100C and implant device 200B,200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G includes both facilitating locking theimplant device 100C and implant device 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or200G and actually locking the implant device 100C and implant device200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, or 200G, as discussed above.

The embodiments may be practiced in other specific forms. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the technology is, therefore,indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. An implant assembly, comprising: a first implant device including: afirst end and a second end oppositely located along a longitudinal firstaxis, a bulbous portion at the first end that extends along the firstaxis, and a screw portion at the second end that extends along the firstaxis; and a second implant device including: a third end and a fourthend oppositely located along a longitudinal second axis, a loopedportion defining an aperture at the third end, and a nail portion at thefourth end, wherein the first implant device and the second implantdevice provide compression to a set of bones when the bulbous portionand the looped portion are engaged.
 2. The implant assembly of claim 1,wherein the nail portion comprises: a tip including a shape configuredto facilitate implanting the second implant device into a bone; and oneof: a smooth portion, and a substantially smooth portion.
 3. The implantassembly of claim 2, wherein: the bulbous portion comprises an exteriorsurface; and one of: the exterior surface comprises a set of threadsdisposed on the exterior surface of the bulbous portion, and theexterior surface is a smooth surface.
 4. The implant assembly of claim2, wherein the nail portion further comprises: a hole extendinglaterally through the nail portion.
 5. The implant assembly of claim 1,wherein: the bulbous portion comprises an exterior surface; and one of:the exterior surface comprises a plurality of threads disposed on theexterior surface of the bulbous portion, and the exterior surface is asmooth surface.
 6. The implant assembly of claim 5, wherein the nailportion comprises: a tip including a shape configured to facilitateimplanting the second implant device into a bone a smooth portion; andone of: a smooth portion, and a substantially smooth portion.
 7. Theimplant assembly of claim 5, wherein: the looped portion comprises aninterior surface; and the interior surface comprises one of: a smoothsurface, a single groove, and a plurality of grooves.
 8. The implantassembly of claim 1, wherein: the looped portion comprises an interiorsurface; and the interior surface comprises one of: a smooth surface, asingle groove, and a plurality of grooves.
 9. The implant assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the second implant device is configured to be implantedinto a bone via striking the looped portion to insert the nail portioninto the bone.
 10. An implant device, comprising: a first end and asecond end oppositely located along a longitudinal axis; a loopedportion defining an aperture at the first end; and a nail portion at thesecond end, wherein: the aperture includes an interior surfacecomprising a set of grooves, and the implant device is configured toprovide compression to a set of bones when engaged with another implantdevice.
 11. The implant device of claim 10, wherein the nail portioncomprises: a smooth portion; and a tip including a shape configured tofacilitate implanting the implant device into a bone.
 12. The implantdevice of claim 10, wherein the nail portion comprises: a substantiallysmooth portion; and a tip including a shape configured to facilitateimplanting the implant device into a bone.
 13. The implant device ofclaim 10, wherein the implant device is configured to be implanted intoa bone via striking the looped portion to insert the nail portion intothe bone.
 14. The implant device of claim 11, wherein the set of groovescomprises one of: a single groove; and a plurality of grooves.
 15. Theimplant device of claim 11, wherein the nail portion comprises: a holeextending laterally through the nail portion.
 16. An implant device,comprising: a first end and a second end oppositely located along alongitudinal axis; a looped portion defining an aperture at the firstend; and a nail portion at the second end, wherein: the apertureincludes a smooth interior surface, and the implant device is configuredto provide compression to a set of bones when engaged with anotherimplant device.
 17. The implant device of claim 16, wherein the nailportion comprises: a smooth portion; and a tip including a shapeconfigured to facilitate implanting the implant device into a bone. 18.The implant device of claim 16, wherein the nail portion comprises: asubstantially smooth portion; and a tip including a shape configured tofacilitate implanting the implant device into a bone.
 19. The implantdevice of claim 16, wherein the implant device is configured to beimplanted into a bone via striking the looped portion to insert the nailportion into the bone.
 20. The implant device of claim 16, wherein thenail portion comprises: a hole extending laterally through the nailportion.